alumni

Playing with Traditions

By Becky Zieber

Juana Villa

Juana Villa (Graphic Communications, ’15), had the spirit of Cal Poly in mind when she designed a set of playing cards inspired by Cal Poly’s traditions. The Cal Poly Alumni Association asked Villa to illustrate the deck, which was given to incoming students at last year’s Week of Welcome. Each card features a whimsical image of a different tradition. With activities ranging from “Go to the Poly Royal Rodeo”to “Crash a class,”the deck embodies some of the most memorable elements of life at Cal Poly. “I wanted to do something I would be proud of showing, and something that many people will enjoy,” said Villa, who works as a front-end developer for the San Luis Obispo-based tech consulting firm Experts Exchange. Her favorite card in the deck, she says, encourages players to “Create your own tradition.”

Class Notes

College of Liberal Arts

Julie Tuckett Hardardt (Social Science, ’82) retired from her career in the law enforcement field in San Diego and moved to Hot Springs Village, Ark. to enjoy retirement. A few years later, she had the opportunity to become the sole owner of Moonshiner’s Family Restaurant & Tavern. The restaurant offers great food, entertainment and even real moonshine in the tavern area. She loves the opportunity to meet new customers and to get involved with the local business community. > < Karen and Kevin Spinks (Child & Family Development, ’85; Electrical Engineering, ’85) who met at Cal Poly and married in…

Class Notes

College of Science and Mathematics

Jack Suttich (Math, ’57) is happily married with five children, six grandchildren and one great granddaughter. He retired from AT&T in 1982, and worked in Alaska for five years on and off. Then he taught calculus and physics in high school part time. His children have graduated from Chico State, Sacramento State, UCLA and the University of Washington. Megan Mori (Biochemistry, ’84) recently created a healing activity workbook for people suffering from chronic or severe illness or injury. Her book, “Being Sick Is an Adventure,” is illustrated by Andrew Davidson, known for his work on the Harry Potter series. Mori…

Class Notes

Orfalea College of Business

Rick L. Heer (Business, ’78) celebrated his 21st wedding anniversary and his recent retirement from work by traveling with his wife to Fiji, Australia and New Zealand in November of 2015. They went whitewater rafting on the Kaituna River in New Zealand, snorkeled in Fiji, rode the Shotover jet boat in Queenstown, went on a gourmet tour of Tasmania and Bruny Island, and attended a ballet at the Sydney Opera House. Rik Floyd (Economics, ’79) will begin a term as president of the Cal Poly Alumni Association in July, having previously served as the association’s Southern California regional director and leader…